PM pushes major energy shift as govt targets renewable sources to meet future demands

• Premier Shehbaz orders comprehensive strategy to cut reliance on imported fuel through clean energy transition

• Stresses hydropower, solar and biogas development to lower production costs and boost growth

• Orders strict action against power theft, saying smart meters to be installed in high-loss areas

• Power losses drop from 18.3% to 15.3%, recovery rate rises to 96.46% in March 2026: briefing

• 400MW to be supplied to private sector under first phase of Wheeling System

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday emphasised the urgent need to shift towards renewable energy sources to meet future demand, directing the formulation of a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing dependence on imported fuel.

“Generation of power through hydropower, solar energy, biogas and other renewable sources will further reduce the cost of production and positively impact economic growth,” the Prime Minister said, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت پاور سیکٹر (شعبہ توانائی) سے متعلقہ اصلاحاتی اقدامات پر اجلاس

اجلاس میں بریفنگ کے دوران وزیراعظم کو بتایا گیا کہ بجلی کی تین تقسیم کار کمپنیوں میں نجی شعبے کی شمولیت کے حوالے سے کام جاری ہے اور اس سال نومبر میں بولی کا مرحلہ مکمل ہو جائے… pic.twitter.com/z5spMDBKUR

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 5, 2026

The premier was chairing a review meeting on energy sector reform measures, where he reiterated that Pakistan must prioritise clean and sustainable energy pathways to meet long-term requirements while ensuring economic efficiency.

He stressed that these efforts would significantly reduce reliance on imported fuel and made it clear that no leniency would be shown to those involved in power theft, the PMO said.

“The transformers in areas with a high rate of power theft must be equipped with smart meters as soon as possible,” he directed.

The statement further added that the Prime Minister instructed strict departmental action against companies found violating the ‘Economic Merit Order’ in recent operations.

He also directed steps to make the country’s power market more competitive and transparent.

The Prime Minister ordered the expedited provision of 400 megawatts of electricity to the private sector in the first phase of the Wheeling System, aimed at improving industrial energy access.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت پاور سیکٹر (شعبہ توانائی) سے متعلقہ اصلاحاتی اقدامات پر جائزہ اجلاس

وزیراعظم نے ہدایت کی کہ مستقبل میں توانائی کی ضروریات قابلِ تجدید توانائی سے پوری کرنے کے لیے جامع حکمتِ عملی بنائی جائے۔ درآمدی ایندھن پر انحصار کم کرنے کے لیے اقدامات میں… pic.twitter.com/FMhWLT6grI

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 5, 2026

According to the PMO briefing, effective measures taken by power distribution companies have led to a marked reduction in losses related to power theft, non-payment and other inefficiencies.

Power distribution losses have declined from 18.3 per cent in June 2024 to 15.3 per cent in March 2026, while electricity bill recovery has improved significantly to 96.46 per cent in March 2026, compared to 90 per cent in June 2024.

The meeting was also informed about ongoing efforts to bring three power distribution companies under private sector management, with the bidding process expected to be completed by November 2026.

The meeting was attended by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Power Minister Awais Leghari, Adviser on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, and other senior officials of relevant departments.

 

PM expresses solidarity with Türkiye over floods

In a related development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives caused by devastating floods and extreme weather conditions in Turkey, extending condolences to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish people.

In a post on X, the prime minister said, “On behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, as well as on my own behalf, I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to my dear brother Recep Tayyip Erdogan and to the brotherly people of Turkiye.”

On behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, as well as on my own behalf, I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to my dear brother H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and to the brotherly people of Türkiye, on the devastating floods and extreme weather disturbances, that have…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 5, 2026

He noted that floods and severe weather had struck the provinces of Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Adiyaman and surrounding regions, resulting in loss of precious lives and property.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity, he said: “Pakistan stands in full solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Turkiye in this hour of grief.”

“Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and all those affected by this natural calamity,” he added.

The prime minister further assured that Pakistan stands ready to extend any humanitarian or material assistance required by Türkiye in its relief and recovery efforts.